Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz joined Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens President and CEO David Swarts, members of the Botanical Gardens board of directors, members of the Erie County Department of Public Works, elected officials, and gardens enthusiasts Thursday to celebrate a lengthy list of extensive upgrades and improvements to historic houses 2 and 3 with a ribbon-cutting at the site.

Firefighter Joe Casullo, left in the video, and Lt. Nick Egloff of the Grand Island Fire Co. hold a race to see who can put his turnout gear on the fastest, as children from Sidway Elementary School cheer them on.

The May 2, 2016, work session of the Grand Island Town Board included the first discussion of the proposed West River Connector Trail. The nearly three-hour meeting included a 25-minute discussion among Town Supervisor Nathan McMurray and council members Beverly Kinney, Chris Aronica, Mike Madigan and Ray Billica.

Kelly's Country Store held its first-ever Fall Fest Oct. 8 and 9. The event included a petting zoo (pictured), a bounce house, face painting, and a food vendors and a farmers market. The old historic schoolhouse was open, with all original equipment.

The Mary Star of the Sea, Knights of Columbus, Council No. 4752 celebrated its annual Past Grand Knights Dinner honoring all past grand knights on Saturday, Oct. 8. Attending the dinner were many Past Grand Knights, other Knights, family and the District Deputy Anthony Pirrone.

Peggy Will, Chris Sipson, Ellie Robinson, Paul Sipson and Margie Tyrell of Trinity United Methodist Church are pictured (from left) making apple pies, which are made and quickly frozen, to be sold in the baked goods booth at the 2016 Trinity Fall Festival, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22.

The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has announced the return of the popular "Fall for Erie County Parks" photo contest, which is open to Erie County residents and offers amateur photographers an opportunity to focus on the beauty of Erie County's 10,000-acre parks system and snap their way to prizes.

Early bird pricing for the 121st annual YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot is set to expire Friday, Oct. 14. Starting Saturday, the registration fee moves to $40 per entry and will remain at this rate until the race sells out, or until Nov. 17.

Grand Island Fire Chief Matt Osinski has announced that a special award presentation will take place during the scheduled Fire Prevention Open House on Friday, Oct. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Grand Island Fire Co. headquarters, 2275 Baseline Road.

Following the announcement New York will begin the conversion to 100-percent electronic tolling for several bridges and tunnels in the New York City area, local leaders are pushing for a similar transition in Western New York.

Wednesday's presentation in Grand Island Town Hall on the emerald ash borer, sponsored by the Conservation Advisory Board and Grand Island's Emerald Ash Borer Task Force, was preceded by a walk through Town Commons.

The Erie County Department of Senior Services has announced it will hold two public hearings to provide residents with an opportunity to comment on needs and concerns of Erie County's older adults and their caregivers.

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty Jr. announced Erie County Hall will be illuminated in the color purple to "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence" throughout the month of October.

Rotarian Henry Kammerer reported that, at the Sept. 14 meeting, Rotary District Gov. Marlee Diehl provided a heartfelt plea for support of Rotary activities, such as helping the Rotary Foundation in its 100th year - particularly to help with polio eradication.

Margaret Mehlenbacker Tynski of Grand Island was honored at the September awards dinner of the Grand Island Professional Women's Chapter, New York State Women Inc. She was the winner of the chapter's scholarship for adult women returning to college, trade school or a certificate program.

The National Fire Protection Association notes that most American homes have at least one smoke detector that can provide occupants with sufficient warning to escape life-threatening consequences during a fire emergency.

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Erie County Legislature Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo (10th district) and Minority Leader Thomas Loughran (5th District) to announce an agreement on revisions to the Erie County charter, along with the creation of a new Erie County ethics law.

The Niagara Falls chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will begin its 2016-17 year with a potluck luncheon meeting on Saturday, Oct. 1, at noon. The meeting will be held at Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Road.

Recovery International has been providing mental health support services for the past 78 years and its self-help techniques have benefitted thousands of adult whose quality of life has been impacted by bipolar disorder, depression, panic, anxiety or anger management concerns.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Road, will host its fifth annual pet blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. A brief service will be held at 11:30 a.m. followed by individual blessings.